Good Afternoon South Side School.  We are excited to share a learning opportunity for families that aligns with our commitment to supporting the well-being and resilience of our students and families.  We are offering 5 families a complimentary copy of the powerful new book, The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This book was shared as part of a Bristol Public Schools family evening designed to support and improve the social and emotional development of our students which was held earlier this month at Bristol Eastern High School. 

Jonathan Haidt, a renowned social psychologist and New York Times best selling author, explores a troubling trend: the rising rates of anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges in young people. Drawing from years of research, The Anxious Generation pinpoints a major cultural shift around 2010, when childhood experiences rapidly moved from the physical world to the digital one—especially through smartphones and social media.

Haidt argues that today’s children are experiencing high levels of anxiety and depression because we have transitioned from a play based childhood to a 'phone based childhood' which offers kids free access to the internet and other social media sites.  He succinctly demonstrates the negative impact of this in undermining their natural development, emotional health, and ability to handle adversity, conflict and other peer challenges. He doesn’t just diagnose the problem, he offers a hopeful path forward for parents, educators, and communities.  This work is directly aligned with our efforts to teach students to be self-aware, resilient and responsible students who can manage their emotions and make healthy and safe choices.

We believe the ideas in this book are too important to ignore, which is why we are offering a free copy to 5 interested families.  We also have access to a Spanish copy if you would like. If you’d like to receive your copy, please email, text or message me here.  The first 5 families to respond will receive their copy.   If your child currently has an iPhone or any device with 24/7 access to the internet, this is an amazing resource for you.  Thank you for partnering with us to continually support your child, our school and our entire Bristol community.